ANNANDALE, Va. — I know some people don't believe me when I say I'm seeing drivers pass the stopped school bus every day. Notice that this driver wasn't going to stop until she realized that I was shooting the video.

It's hard to believe that 15 years ago I experienced the scariest day of my life and the most wonderful day in my life, both on the same day. I stood in a room full of family, friends and co-workers and publicly declared what I had known for years...I'm going to spend the rest of my life with my wife Thurraya.

Our marriage isn't always perfect, but I know that the love we have for each other is real because we've been through the good and the bad and we're still together.

When two people have shared life, when they are really, really in it together, there is a quiet certainty in the way they take care of each other. A gentle touch in passing, a loving word right when it's needed - every little thing seems to say, "I'm sure of you...I'm sure of us."

Today is the perfect day to acknowledge how awesome it has been to have her as my wife. I am so glad that I am able to share my life with such a wonderful woman and with each year that passes I can't help but love her more and more.I know that God really loves me, because He gave me a wonderful woman to be my lifetime partner and the mother of my children. Happy Anniversary.

Little Kent 1's recent work was featured in the Barry Robinson Center's "Heroes of Hope" publication which was produced to celebrate April's Month of the Military Child.

My Hero

"My mom is my hero because she is loving. She never gives up on us. It might get stressful sometimes and trying but she is still on it taking care of the family. Another reason why my mom is my hero is because she is my all time love loving star. She works at the Pentagon and the money she gets she uses it on me. She uses the money to make sure I have shelter, clothes, food and water. My mom is my hero because she takes care of the family before herself. My mom is an awesome hero. She always does nice things for my brother, my father, grandmother and me. My mom wants me to grow up, get a job, and maybe a job in the Navy. I love my mother and my family. My mom is the best mom and she is my hero."

WASHINGTON — More than 50 years after Martin Luther King, Jr. made his famous "l Have a Dream" speech, many African-Americans in our nation are still dreaming of King's equal nation. The reality is that while many blacks are living King's dream of equality and fair treatment, many are not. While Dr. King is remembered for many things, his commitment to service stands out. If anything is to be remembered about King, it should be that "everyone can be great because everyone can serve."

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 2016, many young Black males still live in poverty in communities filled with drug dealers and crack addicts. A large number of these young men will not live to see their 30th birthday as random acts of brutality claim young lives. Sadly, many of them can name more correctional facilities than institutions of higher learning. The students in these communities still are not adequately prepared to pursue an education and men and women in these communities have lost hope for a change to a brighter future.

While the United States pauses for one day, we should recommit itself to improving our communities everywhere; not just for one day in January, but throughout the year. Poverty, violence and ignorance will never end if our collective work ceases after the holiday. Let this MLK Holiday be the beginning of service and fresh commitment to improving communities in this country, and maybe King's dream can materialize sooner rather than later.

ANNANDALE, Va. — Commodore Conyers had a passion for Savannah State University and his community. The long time educator and community leader died at his Albany, Ga. home on Aug. 15. He was 84.

Conyers, a 1958 graduate of Savannah State, was a life member of the SSUNAA and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. A long-time supporter of the university and the SSUNAA, Conyers served as president of the SSUNAA Greater Albany Chapter for several years and was the 2014 Savannah State University Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. He was recently nominated to be inducted into the SSU Foundation Hall of Fame Class of 2015.

“As we all know, he was truly a Smart, Bold and Proud Tiger who loved his alma mater,” said Dr. Cheryl Dozier, the president of Savannah State University in an email to the university community.

Conyers devoted his time and talents and helped raise funds for several organizations including the 100 Black Men of Albany, Strive to Thrive Albany, his alma mater, Savannah State University, where he majored in industrial education, and the American Legion Post 512. He also held advanced degrees from Valdosta State University (’79 – Vocational Administration) and Albany State University (’86 – Administration and ’90 – Administration and Supervision).

Aside from his philanthropic efforts, Conyers was an educator, and former principal of Dougherty High School in Albany, Ga. and an activist for educators. After leaving Dougherty High he served the school board as the head of the county’s career tech program. He was also a Deacon and former Superintendent of Sunday School at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Albany.

“The entire Savannah State University National Alumni Association family is saddened by the loss of Mr. Commodore Conyers,” said Clyde Newton the National President of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. “Mr. Conyers has been a leader and mentor in SSUNAA for many years. His dedication and commitment to excellence will serve as his legacy to all of us.”

Conyers served in many capacities in public service in and around Albany. He was sworn in to the Dougherty County Water, Gas, and Light Board in January 2007 and also served on the election board for Dougherty County and was a member of the Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum board of directors.

“We certainly appreciate his dedicated service and committed support to Savannah State University, said Charles Young, the chairman of the Savannah State University Foundation. “May God continue to bless, comfort, strengthen and sustain his family and friends, and give them peace.”

A Wake service will be held on Friday, August 21, 6 – 8 pm at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (325 Whitney Avenue) in Albany and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 3 pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (901 S. Westover Blvd.) in Albany.

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/136631836?loop=1&title=0&byline=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/136631836">Riding the carousel at the Ocean City Boardwalk</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/absolonkent">Absolon Kent</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <p><b>OCEAN CITY, NJ &mdash;&nbsp;</b>Riding the carousel on the Ocean City Beach Boardwalk during a family vacation to Ocean City, New Jersey.</p>